Pam McRoberts on Northern Ireland Debut

16 December 2015

Crystal Palace Ladies winger Pam McRoberts has spoken about her international debut, representing Northern Ireland against Switzerland in a UEFA Women's Championship qualifier at the end of November, as well as her return to football after the birth of her son.

"I got a message from the Northern Ireland manager, he sent me an email," said McRoberts, discussing her call up. "And I got a call from my manager Dean [Davenport], telling me the great news as well. He was really happy, really excited. I got lots of messages from friends and family on Facebook too."

As exciting as the call up was, McRoberts was not daunted by stepping onto the international stage and worked hard in training to secure her starting spot against the Swiss.

Northern Ireland lost the game, but McRoberts took positives from her first taste of international football. Asked whether she felt she learnt a lot from the experience, she said: "Definitely. Training with them and learning different coaching methods, because I like coaching as well, I was taking a lot on board. A lot to do with nutrition."

She is also playing a key role in Palace's incredible unbeaten start to the season which sees Dean Davenport's side perched at the top of the table. They have only lost one game all season - in the Cup - and have only dropped points in the league in a draw away to Cambridge United.

Palace's dominance in 2015-16 means teams are keen to take them on and be the first to take three points from them, says McRoberts.

"Teams want to beat us. Whether they're bottom or top everyone's out to beat us, so we just make sure we keep putting as much in as possible," she said. "Even if we're winning two or thre-nil, we want to get to the end without conceding a goal [and] push for more goals."

"Everything's coming in to place for me and to have [my son] coming along, cheering me on and knowing about Palace is one of the most amazing things ever," she said.

Discussing her return to football after giving birth, she said that she feels stronger and as hungry to play as ever.

"I feel much stronger... And more tired," laughed McRoberts. "But it's a good tired!

"When I've got work I'm always hitting my snooze button, but when I've got football I get up like it's Christmas Day. Nothing can stop me from playing football!"

You can watch a full video interview with Pam McRoberts for free HERE.